Tom Abbott's role at Shopko expands

By Allison Cerra

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko's SVP product development now has become responsible for overseeing the retailer's consumables division.

Shopko said Tom Abbott's new title is SVP product development/general merchandise manager of consumables. In this expanded role, Abbott will retain responsibility for product development, trend and sourcing. His previous oversight of the company's textiles division will move to Shopko's newly hired SVP/GMM home and hardlines, Craig Gourley, creating one senior merchant leader and vision for the home division.

Abbott, who has more than 40 years of experience in the retail industry, including 20 years at Shopko, has been the key strategist behind the company's private-label brands program and has played an integral role in the development of Shopko's hometown store merchandising strategy, Shopko said. Abbott will continue working on these initiatives as both the consumables and private-brand merchandise play a critical role in the growing hometown format, the retailer noted.

"This strategic move strengthens our important consumables team and business by positioning a direct senior leader in the division," Shopko EVP and chief merchandising officer Jill Soltau said. "As we look to drive sales of consumables in all of our formats, Tom's wide-ranging experience, in-depth understanding of all aspects of retail, keen understanding of consumer behavior, as well as his track record of achieving significant results make him the perfect fit for driving our consumables business. We are excited to have Tom's leadership over this important piece of our business."